Page 42 of Evermore

Out of nowhere, Quill surged between us and kicked Thorne right between the legs. She’d been taught that little trick by Deyanira. As the giant fucker fell to his knees, I couldn’t help but feel a modicum of pride.

“I’d like to say I’m sorry about that, but I’m not,” she said, throwing her hands on her hips. “Now leave us alone.”

I hid my smile, glancing over to Archer, who was very pale. “Are you okay?” I asked, forgetting everything else, despite the warning bells going off in my mind about being in the same room with Thorne.

“I’m fine,” he said with a nod, though the tremor made it clear he wasn’t.

“Do you need a healer?” Thea asked, moving to his side.

Briony stepped toward him too. “Archie?”

“I’m fine,” he growled, pushing past everyone to walk out. I reached for his hand. When my fingers grazed his, he paused, back going rigid. “I’m fine,” he said for the third time and walked out.

Thorne stood, eyes locked on my fingers as Archer walked away. Likely not because I’d reached for him. But because I was no longer wearing the ring he’d put there. Nor would I ever again.

The others followed Archer out, no one looking more concerned than Aeris as they surrounded him. Only Quill remained, still positioned defiantly between Thorne and me like a shield.

“Go check on Archer,” I told her softly, never taking my eyes off Thorne.

“But—”

“It’s okay. I can handle him.”

She hesitated, then squeezed my hand before leaving. The moment she was gone, the voices started their relentless whispers. But for once, I welcomed them. Let them fuel the fire burning through my veins.

Remember he tried to trap you.

He will destroy you.

Unless you destroy him first. Break him like he broke you.

Make him bleed.

I stalked forward, a savage smile playing at my lips as I traced a finger down the buttons of his pristine shirt. “Is this what you wanted,Keeper?” His title dripped with venom. “Someone to play your little mortal games with? Someone to bend and break and put back together however you see fit? Someone you could lock away and play with? Did youforgetto mention I would be bound to Alastor if I didn’t give him that fourth name? Just like youforgotto mention threatening to take away my memories was only for fun?”

He stayed perfectly still under my touch, but I could feel the tension radiating off him. Good. Let him feel a fraction of the uncertainty he’d forced on me.

“Did you laugh about it with the other gods? Poor little Paesha, so desperate for love she couldn’t see what was right in front of her?” I leaned closer, breathing in the familiar scent of him. Lies, all lies.

“It wasn’t like that. What I feel?—”

“What youfelt?” I shoved him hard, satisfaction coursing through me when he stumbled back. “You felt nothing! Gods don’t feel, theyplay. They manipulate and destroy and wrap it all up in pretty promises.” I gestured at his perfect face, his perfect form. “Even this is a lie. Everything about you is designed to trap, to lure, to deceive. Well congratulations, god ofa thousand stupid fucking names.” I swept into a mocking bow. “You succeeded beautifully. I fell for every single fucking thing.”

Yes.

He can bleed.

Let us taste it.

I closed my eyes for a fraction of a second, pushing away the voices. The power. The Remnants.

“I’m not your enemy.” He reached for me and I slapped his hand away, shadows writhing at my feet.

“You’re not my anything.”

He surged forward, grabbing where the bands circled my wrist as he pinned me to the wall. “I am sorry for hurting you. Is that what you need to hear? Is that what your poor broken heart is begging for? If you would let me explain?—”

“You don’t want to explain. You want to justify lying and I don’t care enough to listen. It doesn’t matter. Go find someone else to fuck with. Leave me alone.”